Allen & Overy develops Japan finance practice

LEADING City firm Allen & Overy is expanding its finance law practice in the Asia-Pacific region with the appointment of capital markets specialist Andrew Ballheimer to its Tokyo office.

Alex Pease, the partner in charge of the Tokyo office, which was established in 1988, says: "Andrew has considerable experience in both international and domestic capital markets for debt and equity financing.

"His appointment illustrates our commitment to the increasing importance of Japan-based capital markets work, and we are delighted he has moved to Tokyo."

Ballheimer has previously practised in the firm's London and New York offices, and he was appointed a partner in 1994.

His move to join the international firm's Tokyo office is seen as necessary to meet the increasing volume of business that is being generated by Japanese entities in Japan and the UK.